Barcelona will try to avoid to lose three matches in a row when they visit Amsterdam Arena and take on hosts Ajax. During their previous match, Barcelona edged the Dutch champions 3-1, bouncing back from a previous loss against Group F leaders Paris Saint-Germain.
The Dutch hosts will try to build up their confidence after a 4-0 win against Urk, and knowing that losing to Barcelona may kill all their chances to make it through the Round of 16. Ajax have only managed to earn two points after three games played, but their last meeting against Los Blaugranas ended with a 2-1 win, so things may seem a little better for Frank De Boer's side. The former Dutch defender urged his players to go on the pitch with respect, but not to fearing the Spanish giants, since their stumbling shape may benefit them to surprise once again Luis Enrique's team. The red and white team will have every important player available for them, with the exception of Thulani Sereno.
For Barcelona, things may turn uglier if they give away this result. Luis Enrique's project has been harshly criticized before losing with Real Madrid, since it appears Lionel Messi has the upper hand in the dressing room. After their disastrous Clasico against Los Blancos, Barcelona enjoyed the best chances against Celta Vigo, but the visitors ended up winning 1-0. Their much publicized trio of Messi, Neymar and Suarez have not delivered in both games they have played together, giving coach Luis Enrique second thoughts about whether the Uruguayan striker should be benched to start a more fit player, since he hasn't shown much during his minutes on the pitch. Andres Iniesta and Jeremy Mathieu will have to sit out for this match, while Jordi Alba's participation is still doubtful.
One more ingredient that will make this match more interesting is the all-time scoring record at stake. If Lionel Messi scores twice, he'll equalize Raul as the top scorer in UEFA Champions League history.The Argentinian has not shown all his class recently, but with his team in trouble, perhaps "La Pulga" will come through one more time for his squad.
Ajax vs Barcelona team sheets
Ajax's first XI: Cillessen, Van Rhijn, Veltman, Moisander, Boilesen; Klaassen, Serero, Andersen; El Ghazi, Sigthorsson, Schone
Ajax's bench: Boer, Kishna, Riedewald, Milik, Denswil, Viergever, Zimling
Barcelona's first XI: TerStegen - Alves Bartra Mascherano Alba - Rakitic Busquets Xavi - Suarez Messi Neymar
Barcelona's bench: Bravo, Douglas, Pique, Adriano, Rafinha, Pedro, Munir
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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